Har Hamishcha Where the Red Cow was Burned

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l

As Jews throughout the world listen this Shabbat to the special Torah reading concerning the Red Cow (Parshat Para), it brings to mind the place where this animal was rendered to ashes which would be used for purification of those who became contaminated through contact with the dead.

This place is known as Har Hamishcha (Mount of Anointment) or Har Hazeitim (Mount of Olives). Both names refer to the olive trees that once grew on this mountain east of Yerushalayim, whose fruits supplied the high quality olive oil used for anointing a king or a kohen gadol.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu